The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a fake kidnapping scheme involving a viral video of a schoolboy pleading for mercy, an incident that initially sparked widespread public concern across the state.
In a statement released on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said investigations revealed that the alleged victim, Victor Aligwo, deliberately staged his own kidnapping in collaboration with four friends in order to extort money from his mother.
According to the police, the case was first reported on 26 November 2025 at the Ago Palace Police Division as a missing person incident. However, intelligence-led investigations later uncovered that the kidnapping was entirely fabricated.
How the Fake Kidnapping Was Orchestrated
Police findings showed that Victor Aligwo, alongside his accomplices, used a room belonging to one of the suspects, Umeh Victor, to stage the incident. The group then recorded a distress video showing Victor pleading for help, which was circulated to create panic and pressure his family into paying ransom.
The suspects were arrested on 17 and 18 December 2025 at Volkswagen Roundabout and within the Ago Palace area by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.
Those arrested include:
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Kosiko Patrick (17)
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Victor Aligwo (15)
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David Odudu (19)
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Anyabike Kingsley (20)
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Umeh Victor (19)
₦1.7 Million Ransom Traced Through POS Transaction
Further investigation revealed that the suspects targeted Victor’s mother after learning she had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution. To make the scheme appear real, the suspects demanded ransom and succeeded in collecting ₦1.7 million, which was transferred through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal.
Police operatives traced the POS transaction, leading directly to the arrest of all suspects involved. The ransom money was later shared among the group.
Police Assure Public, Warn Criminals
SP Adebisi confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements in the state to desist from engaging in any form of crime, stressing the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The Police Command also clarified that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping, urging residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities via the Command’s emergency lines:
0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, 0803 934 4870
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